The World

The Bolivian government and union leaders attempted to set up meetings to mediate an end to a strike that has paralyzed the inflation-ridden nation for two weeks. Both sides agreed to mediation by the Roman Catholic Church. The church said it offered to mediate in an effort to avoid any "situation that may lead to a confrontation between brothers and a bloodbath." Union leaders vowed to lead 250,000 people on a hunger strike if President Hernan Siles Zuazo refuses to withdraw military forces called out to guard La Paz, the capital, from further demonstrations. The strikers are demanding wage boosts and other benefits.